Differences in Serum Cytokine Profiles Between Vegetarians and Omnivores: Exploratory Assessment of Dietary Factors

Background/Objectives: Evidence suggests that plant-based diets are associated with reduced risk of chronic inflammatory diseases and lower circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. However, associations with other inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukins (ILs), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), interferons (IFNs), and chemokines, remain limited and inconclusive. This study compared multiple serum cytokine and chemokine levels between healthy vegetarians and omnivores.

Methods

160 apparently healthy, normal-weight participants aged 25–50 years, without acute and chronic illnesses or allergies, were included: 80 omnivores and 80 vegetarians (67 vegans and 13 lacto-ovo vegetarians). Serum concentrations of 13 cytokines/chemokines were measured using flow cytometry with a LEGENDplex™ bead-based multiplex immunoassay kit. Anthropometry, standard clinical hematological and biochemistry parameters, CRP, and dietary intakes were also analyzed.